PCI-E Connector Cover with Bending Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PCI-E slot connectors are prone to cracking due to their poor structural strength, especially when overweight expansion cards are inserted or improperly handled, which can lead to damage during operation.
Innovation Solution
A PCI-E slot connector cover made of metal material is designed to enhance the structural strength by incorporating bending arms and connecting posts, which create an interval between the cover and the connector to prevent deformation and provide stable fixation to the main board, thereby reducing the risk of cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a PCI-E slot connector is used without additional protection, then the device structure remains simple, but the connector is prone to cracking when overweight expansion cards are inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two main parts: the original PCI-E slot connector and an additional protective cover. The cover is segmented with bending arms that can flex independently, allowing the structure to absorb stress without transmitting it to the main connector body, thereby preventing cracking while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is made of metal material combined with the existing plastic connector body. This composite structure leverages the strength and rigidity of metal for the cover while maintaining the electrical insulation and molding advantages of the plastic connector, creating a hybrid structure that resists cracking under heavy loads
2Strength
If a metal cover is added to enhance structural strength, then the connector becomes more resistant to cracking, but the device occupies more space on the main board
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover extends primarily in the vertical dimension (upward from the connector) rather than expanding the horizontal footprint on the main board. The bending arms rise vertically to provide structural reinforcement, allowing the connector to gain strength without significantly increasing its area occupation on the PCB
3Stability of the object's composition
If bending arms are incorporated to create an interval between the cover and connector, then deformation is prevented, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bending arms are designed as flexible metal elements that can elastically deform during insertion and operation. This flexibility allows the arms to create the necessary interval and absorb mechanical stress without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or precision assembly procedures, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining deformation resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
A PCI-E connector cover includes a first, a second cover laterals, a plurality of bending arms, a cover top surface and a plurality of connecting posts. The first, the second cover laterals and the cover top surface are adapted to cover a first, a second connector laterals and a connector top surface of a PCI-E connector. The bending arms are connected to the first cover lateral and lean against a first connector concave of the PCI-E connector so as to keep an interval between the first cover lateral and the first connector concave. The cover top surface is connected to the first, the second cover laterals. The connecting posts are extended from the first and the second cover laterals to fix to a main board. A PCI-E connector module is further provided.